US10165547B2

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US10165547B2
Application number: US15/507,783
Authority: US
Inventors: Keiji HIROZAWA; Michiaki Satou
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2014-09-30
Filing date: 2015-09-29
Publication date: 2018-12-25
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-29
Also published as: JP6352434B2; JP6585216B2; JP2018152076A; US20170289956A1; WO2016052513A1; JPWO2016052513A1

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention not only protects user's privacy but also reliably notifies a user of a change in state of an external communication device. A state change notification device (1) includes: an information receiving section (11) that receives state change information in a case where a change in state occurs in a device (100, 200, 300, or 400) in which an external communication device (500) or the state change notification device (1) is provided; and an expansion control section (12) that controls inflation of a balloon (24) provided in a wristwatch-type communication device (100) so that an inner pressure of the balloon (24) will be a user-perceivable pressure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relate to a technique for notifying a user of a change in state of a communication device.

BACKGROUND ART

CITATION LISTPatent Literature

[Patent Literature 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication Tokukai No. 2010-213137 (Publication date: Sep. 24, 2010)

SUMMARY OF INVENTIONTechnical Problem

However, in a case where the communication-reception notification terminal disclosed inPatent Literature 1 notifies reception of a communication by, for example, sounding of a buzzer or blinking of an LED, unintentionally, a third person is highly likely to recognize the reception of a communication. On the other hand, a user may not be able to recognize the reception of a communication due to influence of noise or brightness in a surrounding environment. In other words, the above communication-reception notification terminal has problems in whether user's privacy is protected and in whether a user is reliably notified.

The same applies to a case where a mobile phone itself notifies a user of reception of a communication by sounding of a buzzer or blinking of an LED.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above problems, a state change notification device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is a state change notification device for notifying a user, by use of a wearable communication device, of a change in state of a device in which an external communication device or the state change notification device is provided, the state change notification device comprising: an information receiving section for receiving state change information on a change in state in a case where the change in state occurs in the device in which the external communication device or the state change notification device is provided; and an expansion control section for controlling expansion of an expandable section that is provided in contact with a part of user's body in the wearable communication device, the expansion control section controlling expansion of the expandable section in accordance with the state change information received by the information receiving section, so as to cause an inner pressure of the expandable section to become a user-perceivable pressure, the user-perceivable pressure being a set pressure that allows a user to perceive expansion of the expandable section.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

An embodiment of the present invention makes it possible not only to protect user's privacy but also to allow a user to be reliably notified of a change in state of an external communication device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a wearable communication device in accordance withEmbodiments 1 to 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an external communication device in accordance withEmbodiment 1 of the present invention.

(a) ofFIG. 3 is a view schematically illustrating an example of the wearable communication device. (b) ofFIG. 3 is a view schematically illustrating another example of the wearable communication device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling inflation and deflation of a balloon by a state change notification device in accordance withEmbodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a vibration table stored in a storage section of a wearable communication device in accordance withEmbodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling inflation/deflation of a balloon and vibration of a vibrator by a state change notification device in accordance withEmbodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a state change notification table stored in a storage section of a wearable communication device in accordance with Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling, in accordance with a type of change in state, inflation/deflation of a balloon and vibration of a vibrator by a state change notification device in accordance with Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a pressure table stored in a storage section of a wearable communication device in accordance withEmbodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing a relationship between inner pressure of a balloon and voltage applied to a micro-blower (in the case of the step of inflating a balloon) in the wearable communication device.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing a relationship between inner pressure of a balloon and voltage applied to a micro-blower (in the case of the step of deflating a balloon) in the wearable communication device.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling inflation and deflation of a balloon by a state change notification device in accordance withEmbodiment 4 of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OFEMBODIMENTS

Embodiment

1

The following discusses in detail an embodiment of the present invention, with reference toFIGS. 1 to 6. Embodiments including thepresent Embodiment 1 each discuss a state change notification device as a device provided in a wristwatch-type communication device which is wearable on a wrist of a user. Note that the state change notification device may be provided in a wearable communication device of any type such as a headphone type, a glasses type, a belt type, or a ring type. Further, examples of an external communication device in which a change in state occurs encompass not only smartphones, but also foldable mobile phones, mobile game machines, and the above-described wearable communication devices.

(General Description of Communication Device)

As illustrated in (a) ofFIG. 3, thecommunication device100 includes amain body100a, a balloon24 (expandable section), afirst pressure sensor22, asecond pressure sensor23 and awristband100b. Themain body100acontains therein various parts including a statechange notification device1 which will be discussed later. Thewristband100bis an expandable and contractable wristband-like member having ahollow part100c. Thehollow part100chas a size which allows user's wrist to be fit in the hollow part and be in contact with thewristband100b. Thewristband100bis provided to themain body100 so that themain body100 can be worn on a wrist of a user. Theballoon24 is an expandable and contractable balloon-like member. Theballoon24 is intended to notify a user of a change in state of theexternal communication device500 by inflation caused by inflow of air. Theballoon24 is in a balloon form and provided so as to be in contact with a surface (hereinafter, referred to as an “inner surface”) of themain body100awhich surface is on a side where thehollow part100cis present. Thefirst pressure sensor22 is a member for detecting an inner pressure of theballoon24, and provided on the inner surface of themain body100ain such a manner that thefirst pressure sensor22 is sandwiched between themain body100aand theballoon24. Thesecond pressure sensor23 is a member for detecting a pressure externally applied to themain body100ain a case where a user grips themain body100aor the like case. Thesecond pressure sensor23 is provided on another surface of themain body100awhich another surface is on an opposite side of the inner surface.

Note that in regard to the position and the shape of theballoon24, theballoon24 may have a wristband shape and may be provided so as to be in contact with not only the inner surface of themain body100abut also a surface of thewristband100bwhich surface is on a side where thehollow part100cis present, as illustrated in (b) ofFIG. 3. In other words, the position and the shape of theballoon24 can be any position and any shape each of which allows a user to perceive inflation of theballoon24. Further, theballoon24 may be inflated or expanded by injection of gas other than air or fluid. Further, it is possible to use, other than theballoon24, any member expandable to an extent that allows a user to perceive expansion of the member.

(Concrete Configuration of Communication Device and External Communication Device)

Next, the following discusses a concrete configuration of the wristwatch-type communication device100, with reference toFIG. 1.FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a concrete configuration of thecommunication device100. As illustrated inFIG. 1, thecommunication device100 includes acontrol section10, anoperation input section20, adisplay section21, afirst pressure sensor22, asecond pressure sensor23, aballoon24, a micro-blower25, astorage section26, abattery section27, a transmitting and receivingsection29 and anantenna section30. Thecontrol section10 performs overall control of thecommunication device100, and includes the statechange notification device1. The statechange notification device1 performs overall control of various kinds of processing for notifying a user of a change in state of theexternal communication device500. The statechange notification device1 will be described in detail later.

Theoperation input section20 accepts an operation performed by a user. Thedisplay section21 displays various images such as images produced by execution of various functions (application software) installed in thecommunication device100. The micro-blower25 includes two valves for air injection and for air ejection, respectively, and injects/ejects air into/out of theballoon24 by opening/closing the two valves. The micro-blower25 is also provided with another valve for air passage which is connected with theballoon24, and this valve is also used for air injection. Thestorage section26 is a section for storing various control programs and/or the like which are to be executed by thecontrol section10. Thisstorage section26 is constituted by an involatile storage device such as a hard disk, a flash memory, or the like. Thebattery section27 supplies power to each component part constituting thecommunication device100. The transmitting and receivingsection29 transmits/receives various data via theantenna section30. Note that since not only gas other than air but also fluid may be injected into theballoon24, the micro-blower25 is not an essential constituent element in thecommunication device100.

Next, the following discusses a concrete configuration of the statechange notification device1. The statechange notification device1 includes aninformation receiving section11, anexpansion control section12 and acontraction control section14. Theinformation receiving section11 receives state change information transmitted from theexternal communication device500 via theantenna section30 and the transmitting and receivingsection29. Then, theinformation receiving section11 transmits, to theexpansion control section12, information that the state change information has been received.

As described above, in a case where a change in state of theexternal communication device500 is notified, theexpansion control section12 and thecontraction control section14 controls inflation and deflation of theballoon24 so that the inner pressure of theballoon24 is constantly kept not less than the user-perceivable pressure and not more than the third predetermined pressure. Note that in a case where theballoon24 is deflated when the inner pressure of theballoon24 has reached the third predetermined pressure, such deflation of theballoon24 does not necessarily need to be stopped at a time point at which the inner pressure has decreased down to the user-perceivable pressure. For example, deflation of theballoon24 may be stopped at a time point at which the inner pressure has decreased down to a safe pressure (pressure lower than the user-perceivable pressure) at which there is no risk of breakage of theballoon24. Theexpansion control section12 may be alternatively configured to deflate theballoon24 to an initial state prior to inflation, and not to restart inflation of theballoon24.

Next, the following discusses a concrete configuration of theexternal communication device500, with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a concrete configuration of theexternal communication device500. Here, each member constituting theexternal communication device500 and corresponding to a member constituting the communication device100 (for example, anoperation input section50 of theexternal communication device500 corresponds to theoperation input section20 of the communication device100) has an identical function to that of the member constituting thecommunication device100, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. Amicrophone section52 is, for example, a sound collector for collecting sounds during a phone call. Aspeaker section53 is a reproducing section which has a function of reproducing information containing sound data and which includes a speaker for outputting sounds so that others in addition to a user can hear the sounds. Agrip sensor54 is a sensor for detecting that theexternal communication device500 is gripped by a user. Thegrip sensor54 is, for example, an electrostatic capacitive sensor or a pressure sensor. Thegrip sensor54 is provided, for example, on a side surface of a housing that contains component parts constituting theexternal communication device500 and that is substantially perpendicular to a display surface where adisplay section51 is provided. Meanwhile, a transmitting and receiving section transmits state change information of theexternal communication device500 to thecommunication device100 via theantenna section58. Such state change information indicates that a change in state has occurred, for example, a communication has been received, a remaining battery level has decreased, or a user has gripped theexternal communication device500.

(Method of Controlling Inflation and Deflation of Balloon by State Change Notification Device)

Next, the following discusses a method of controlling inflation and deflation of theballoon24 by the statechange notification device1, with reference toFIG. 4.FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the control method. As shown inFIG. 4, first, in a case where theinformation receiving section11 determines that state change information transmitted from theexternal communication device500 has been received (YES in step100 (step of receiving information or information reception step); hereinafter, abbreviated as Y in S100), theinformation receiving section11 transmits this determination result to theexpansion control section12. Conversely, in a case where theinformation receiving section11 determines that no state change information has been received (NO in S100; hereinafter, NO is abbreviated as “N”), theinformation receiving section11 determines again whether state change information is received or not. Next, in a case where theexpansion control section12 receives the above determination result from theinformation receiving section11, theexpansion control section12 causes the micro-blower25 to operate so as to inflate theballoon24 by injection of air into the balloon24 (S101; the step of controlling expansion or expansion control step).

Next, theexpansion control section12 determines whether or not the inner pressure of theballoon24 has reached the user-perceivable pressure on the basis of a detection result from the first pressure sensor22 (S102; the step of controlling expansion or expansion control step). Then, in a case where a determination result in S102 is N, theexpansion control section12 determines again whether or not the internal pressure has reached the user-perceivable pressure. Conversely, in a case where the determination result in S102 is Y, theexpansion control section12 further determines whether or not the inner pressure has increased up to the third predetermined pressure on the basis of a detection result from the first pressure sensor22 (S103). In a case where a determination result in S103 is Y, theexpansion control section12 causes the micro-blower25 to operate so that air injection into theballoon24 will be stopped (S105). At the same time, thecontraction control section14 causes the micro-blower25 to operate so that the air inside theballoon24 will be ejected from theballoon24, until the inner pressure decreases down to the user-perceivable pressure (S105).

Next, in a case where the determination result in S103 is N or in a case where processing of S105 has been completed, theexpansion control section12 starts measuring a time from a time point at which the inner pressure of theballoon24 has reached the user-perceivable pressure, and determines whether or not the user-perceivable pressure duration time has elapsed (S104). In a case where a determination result in S104 is Y, theexpansion control section12 transmits, to thecontraction control section14, the determination result that informs elapse of the user-perceivable pressure duration time. Conversely, in a case where the determination result in S104 is N, theexpansion control section12 determines again whether or not the user-perceivable pressure duration time has elapsed or not. Subsequently, when thecontraction control section14 receives the determination result from theexpansion control section12, thecontraction control section14 causes the micro-blower25 to operate so that the air inside theballoon24 will be ejected from theballoon24 and thereby theballoon24 will be deflated (S106).

Note that the above description provides an example in which in a case where the determination result in S103 is Y, the step shifts to S104 after the air injection into theballoon24 has been stopped and the inner pressure has decreased down to the user-perceivable pressure by ejection of the air from inside theballoon24. However, an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. As described above, deflation of theballoon24 may be stopped at a time point at which the inner pressure has decreased down to a safe pressure (pressure lower than the user-perceivable pressure) at which there is no risk of breakage of theballoon24. Theexpansion control section12 may be alternatively configured to deflate theballoon24 to an initial state prior to inflation, and not to restart inflation of theballoon24.

(Effects)

As described above, inEmbodiment 1, a change in state of theexternal communication device500 is notified to a user by expansion of theballoon24. Unlike notification by use of sound output of a buzzer or the like or light emission of an LED or the like, the above notification is not influenced by noise or brightness in a surrounding environment. Further, it is unlikely that a third person would recognize a change in state. Further, though a user who, for example, is moving by running may have difficulty in feeling vibration of a vibrator due to motion of the user himself/herself in a case where notification is made by the vibration, such a situation in the case of the notification by vibration is unlikely to occur. Accordingly, it is possible not only to protect user's privacy, but also to reliably notify a user of a change in state of theexternal communication device500. Further, since the inner pressure of theballoon24 is kept at a pressure equal to or less than the third predetermined pressure, it is possible to prevent breakage of theballoon24, such as burst of theballoon24, which is caused by an excessive increase in the inner pressure. This consequently makes it possible to ensure safety of a user.

Embodiment 2

The following discusses another embodiment of the present invention, with reference toFIGS. 1, 5 and 6. Note that for convenience of description, each member having the same function as a member described inEmbodiment 1 will be given the same reference sign as the member described inEmbodiment 1, and a description thereof will be omitted.

A statechange notification device2 in accordance withEmbodiment 2 is different from the statechange notification device1 in accordance withEmbodiment 1 in that the statechange notification device2 includes anoperation control section13. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 1, a wristwatch-type communication device200 (wearable communication device) in accordance withEmbodiment 2 is different from the wristwatch-type communication device100 in accordance withEmbodiment 1, in that the wristwatch-type communication device200 includes a vibrator28 (notification assisting section) and a vibration table26athat is stored in astorage section26.

Theoperation control section13 controls vibration of thevibrator28 with reference to the vibration table26aas shown inFIG. 5, in a case where theoperation control section13 receives, from aninformation receiving section11, information that state change information has been received. In the vibration table26a, states of aballoon24 are classified into an expanding step, a user perceiving step in which an inner pressure of theballoon24 is kept at a user-perceivable pressure, and a contracting step. Further, the vibration table26aassociates amplitudes of thevibrator28 with a duration time (T₁to T₃) for each of the above steps. The amplitudes of thevibrator28 includes an amplitude (zero or A₀) at the start of each step and an amplitude (zero or A₀) at the end of the each step. Further, the duration time T₁of the expanding step is a time required for the inner pressure of theballoon24 to reach the user-perceivable pressure after the start of inflation of theballoon24. The duration time T₂of the user perceiving step is a time during which the inner pressure of theballoon24 is kept at the user-perceivable pressure. This duration time T₂corresponds to a user-perceivable pressure duration time described earlier. The duration time T₃of the contracting step is a time required from the start of deflation of theballoon24 to the end of the deflation. Note that respective values of A₀, T₁and T₃may be set in advance during production of the communication device200 or alternatively may be arbitrarily set by a user.

Thevibrator28 is used for notifying a user by its vibration that there occurs a change in state of anexternal communication device500, and assists notification by inflation of theballoon24. Thevibrator28 may be configured to be built in a main body (not illustrated) of the communication device200 and cause the main body to vibrate. Thevibrator28 may be alternatively configured to be provided in contact with a part of user's body and vibrate itself. Note that the communication device200 may be provided with a heat source section that produces heat, a power generating section that generates weak current, an air blowing section that blows air to a user, a switch section which presses a protrusion against a part of user's body, or the like, as a member for assisting notification of the change in state by use of inflation of theballoon24.

(Method of Controlling Vibration of Vibrator by Operation Control Section)

Note that the method of controlling vibration of thevibrator28 by theoperation control section13 is not limited to the above method. For example, in the expanding step, the amplitude of vibration of thevibrator28 may be gently increased in an early stage of the expanding step and then sharply increased in a terminal stage of the expanding step. Meanwhile, in the contracting step, the amplitude of vibration of thevibrator28 may be gently decreased in an early stage of the contracting step and then sharply decreased in a terminal stage of the contracting step. Further, the vibration of thevibrator28 may be configured to start or stop at a time point at which a predetermined time (which may be set in advance or arbitrarily set by a user) has elapsed from the start of the expanding step, or alternatively at the time point at which a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the contracting step. Furthermore, in the user perceiving step, the amplitude of vibration of thevibrator28 may be varied like a pulse so that a vibratory motion will be emphasized. Further, thevibrator28 may be vibrated only in the user perceiving step. In this case, the duration time T₂of the user perceiving step does not need to be equal to the user-perceivable pressure duration time, and for example, the duration time T₂may be set shorter than the user-perceivable pressure duration time. It is also possible to employ two or more of the above methods in combination.

(Method of Controlling Inflation/Deflation of Balloon and Vibration of Vibrator by State Change Notification Device)

The following will discuss a method of controlling inflation/deflation of theballoon24 and vibration of thevibrator28 by the statechange notification device2, with reference toFIG. 6.FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control method. Note that processing in S200 ofFIG. 6 is the similar to that in S100 ofFIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 6, in a case where theexpansion control section12 receives, from theinformation receiving section11, a determination result that informs reception of state change information, theexpansion control section12 causes the micro-blower25 to inject air into theballoon24, so that theballoon24 is inflated (S201). Meanwhile, in a case where theoperation control section13 receives the above determination result from theinformation receiving section11, theoperation control section13 causes thevibrator28 to start vibrating at the same time as theballoon24 starts to inflate, so that thevibrator28 is caused to vibrate in a vibration pattern of the expanding step (S201). Next, theoperation control section13 determines whether or not the duration time T₁of the expanding step has elapsed (S202). Note that at a point at which processing in S202 starts, theexpansion control section12 is inflating theballoon24 such that the inner pressure of theballoon24 increases toward the user-perceivable pressure. Then, in a case where a determination result in S202 is Y, theoperation control section13 causes thevibrator28 to vibrate in a vibration pattern of the user perceiving step (S203). Conversely, in a case where the determination result in S202 is N, theoperation control section13 determines again whether or not the duration time T₁has elapsed. Subsequently, theoperation control section13 determines whether or not the duration time T₂of the user perceiving step has elapsed (S204). In a case where a determination result in S204 is Y, theoperation control section13 causes thevibrator28 to vibrate in a vibration pattern of the contracting step (S205) and at the same time, transmits, to thecontraction control section14, a determination result that informs elapse of the duration time T₂. Since the duration time T₂is equal to the user-perceivable pressure duration time, thecontraction control section14 having received the determination result causes the micro-blower25 to operate so as to eject the air from inside theballoon24, so that theballoon24 deflates (S205).

(Effects)

As described above,Embodiment 2 allows a user to be notified of a change in state of theexternal communication device500 by causing thevibrator28 to vibrate even in a case where it is difficult to notify the change in state to the user only by expansion of theballoon24. This makes it possible not only to protect user's privacy but also to reliably notify a user of a change in state of theexternal communication device500.

Embodiment 3

The following discusses another embodiment of the present invention, with reference toFIGS. 1, 7 and 8. Note that for convenience of description, each member having the same function as a member described in the

above Embodiment

1 or 2 will be given the same reference sign as the member described in

Embodiment

1 or 2, and a description thereof will be omitted.

A state change notification device3 in accordance with Embodiment 3 is different from the state

information notification devices

1 and2 in accordance with

Embodiments

1 and 2, in that anexpansion control section12 and anoperation control section13 change an aspect of inflation of aballoon24 and an aspect of vibration of avibrator28, in accordance with a type of change in state of anexternal communication device500. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 1, a wristwatch-type communication device300 (wearable communication device) in accordance with Embodiment 3 is different from the wristwatch-type communication devices100 and200 in accordance with

Embodiments

1 and 2, in that the wristwatch-type communication device300 includes a state change notification table26bthat is stored in astorage section26.

(Aspect of Inflation of Balloon and Aspect of Vibration of Vibrator, in Accordance with Type of Change in State of External Communication Device)

The following discusses an aspect of inflation of theballoon24 and an aspect of vibration of avibrator28, in accordance with a type of change in state of theexternal communication device500.FIG. 7 shows an example of the state change notification table26bstored in thestorage section26.

The state change notification table26bis a data table showing each correspondence relationship of a change in state of theexternal communication device500, a pressure increase rate and a user-perceivable pressure of theballoon24, and an amplitude and a frequency of vibration of thevibrator28. The correspondence relationship is established in accordance with a type of change in state, concretely, a level of necessity of user's action in response to the change in state of theexternal communication device500. For example, in a case where the change in state of theexternal communication device500 corresponds to voice call reception, theexpansion control section12 causes a micro-blower25 to operate so as to inject air into theballoon24 so that theballoon24 will be inflated. In this case, an inner pressure of theballoon24 is increased at a pressure increase rate P₁₁, until the inner pressure reaches a user-perceivable pressure P₂₁. The pressure increase rate is an amount of increase in inner pressure of theballoon24 per unit time. Further, theoperation control section13 causes thevibrator28 to vibrate at an amplitude A₁and a frequency f₁from a time point at which the inner pressure of theballoon24 has reached the user-perceivable pressure P₂₁. Then, when a user-perceivable pressure duration time has elapsed, theoperation control section13 stops vibration of thevibrator28. In cases where the change in state of theexternal communication device500 is a change in state other than the voice call reception, theballoon24 are inflated at a different pressure increase rate and a different user-perceivable pressure and thevibrator28 is vibrated at a different amplitude and a different frequency.

In the above cases, respective values of the pressure increase rate, the user-perceivable pressure, the amplitude and the frequency are set in accordance with a level of necessity of user's action in response to a change in state of theexternal communication device500. For example, in a case where a change in state corresponds to voice call reception, sounding of an alarm or decrease in remaining battery level, generally, a prompt action of a user is required. Accordingly, the above values are set high for such changes. In contrary, in a case where a change in state corresponds to mail reception, or gripping of theexternal communication device500, in general, a prompt action of a user is not required. Accordingly, the above values are set low for such changes. In view of the above, inFIG. 7, the level of necessity is the highest in the case of “voice call reception”, and accordingly, respective values of the pressure increase rate P₁₁, the user-perceivable pressure P₂₁, the amplitude A₁and the frequency f₁are the highest among values shown inFIG. 7. Further, the level of necessity decreases in the order of “sounding of an alarm”, “decrease in remaining battery level”, “mail reception”, and “gripping”, and the above values also decreases in the order of “sounding of an alarm”, “decrease in remaining battery level”, “mail reception”, and “gripping”. However, since the order of the level of necessity largely depends on each user, the order is not limited to the above order. On this account, though the respective values of the pressure increase rate, the user-perceivable pressure, the amplitude and the frequency may be set in advance during production of thecommunication device300, it is preferable to allow a user to arbitrarily set the above values.

Note that the respective values of the pressure increase rate, the user-perceivable pressure, the amplitude and the frequency do not necessarily need to be set in accordance with the level of necessity of user's action in response to a change in state of theexternal communication device500. For example, the values may be arbitrarily set simply in accordance with preference of a user.

Next, the following discusses a control method of inflation/deflation of theballoon24 and vibration of thevibrator28 by the state change notification device3, with reference toFIG. 8.FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the above control method. Note that processing in S300 ofFIG. 8 is similar to the processing in each of S100 inFIG. 4 and S200 inFIG. 6, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 8, in a case where theexpansion control section12 receives, from aninformation receiving section11, a determination result that informs reception of state change information, theexpansion control section12 decides a pressure increase rate and a user-perceivable pressure of theballoon24 in accordance with the state change information, with reference to the state change notification table26b(S301). At the same time, theoperation control section13 decides an amplitude and a frequency of thevibrator28 in accordance with the state change information, with reference to the state change notification table26b(S301). Then, theexpansion control section12 causes the micro-blower25 to operate so that air will be injected into theballoon24 at the pressure increase rate thus decided (S302).

Next, theexpansion control section12 determines whether or not the inner pressure of theballoon24 has reached the user-perceivable pressure, on the basis of a detection result of a first pressure sensor22 (S303). Then, in a case where a determination result in S303 is Y, theexpansion control section12 controls the operation of the micro-blower25 so that the inner pressure of theballoon24 will be kept at the user-perceivable pressure. Further, theexpansion control section12 transmits, to theoperation control section13, the determination result that informs that the inner pressure has reached the user-perceivable pressure. Conversely, in a case where the determination result in S303 is N, theexpansion control section12 determines again whether the inner pressure has reached the user-perceivable pressure. In a case where theoperation control section13 receives, from theexpansion control section12, the determination result that informs that the inner pressure has reached the user-perceivable pressure, theoperation control section13 causes thevibrator28 to vibrate at the amplitude and the frequency decided above (S304).

Subsequently, theexpansion control section12 starts measuring a time at a time point at which the inner pressure of theballoon24 has reached the user-perceivable pressure, and determines whether or not the user-perceivable pressure duration time has elapsed (S305). Then, in a case where a determination result in S305 is Y, theexpansion control section12 transmits, to theoperation control section13 and thecontraction control section14, the determination result that informs elapse of the user-perceivable pressure duration time. Conversely, in a case where the determination result in S305 is N, theexpansion control section12 determines again whether or not the user-perceivable pressure duration time has elapsed. In a case where theoperation control section13 receives, from theexpansion control section12, the determination result that informs elapse of the user-perceivable pressure duration time, theoperation control section13 stops vibration of the vibrator28 (S306). At the same time, thecontraction control section14 causes the micro-blower25 to operate to eject the air from inside theballoon24, so that theballoon24 is deflated (S306).

Note that a method of vibrating thevibrator28 by theoperation control section13 is not limited to the above method. For example, the method may be any of various methods as described inEmbodiment 2.

(Effects)

As described above, Embodiment 3 allows a user to be more reliably notified of a change in state by not only inflating theballoon24 but also increasing the amplitude and the frequency of thevibrator28, in a case where the change in state requires a prompt action of the user. This allows the user to make a more appropriate action in accordance with a change in state of theexternal communication device500.

Embodiment 4

The following discusses another embodiment of the present invention, with reference toFIGS. 1 and 9 to 12. Note that for convenience of description, each member having the same function as a member described in any of theabove Embodiments 1 to 3 will be given the same reference sign as the member described in the

Embodiment

1, 2, or 3, and a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is an example of the pressure table26c. As shown inFIG. 9, the pressure table26cincludes a first pressure increase rate Pa and a first predetermined pressure P₁which are associated with a case where the state of theballoon24 is in a first step. Similarly, in the pressure table26c, a second pressure increase rate Pb and a user-perceivable pressure P₂are associated with a second step; a first pressure decrease rate Pc and a second predetermined pressure P₃are associated with a third step; and a second pressure decrease rate Pd is associated with a fourth step. The first step corresponds to a first sub-step of an expanding step of theballoon24, and in the first sub-step, the inner pressure increases from zero to the first predetermined pressure. The second step corresponds to a second sub-step of the expanding step, and in this second sub-step, the inner pressure increases from the first predetermined pressure to the user-perceivable pressure. The third step corresponds to a first sub-step of a contracting step of theballoon24, and in this first sub-step, the inner pressure decreases from the user-perceivable pressure to the second predetermined pressure. The fourth step corresponds to a second sub-step of the contracting step, and in this second sub-step, the inner pressure decreases from the second predetermined pressure to zero.

As shown inFIG. 10, the first pressure increase rate Pa is higher in value than the second pressure increase rate Pb. Accordingly, the inner pressure of theballoon24 increases sharply in the first step, and the inner pressure increases gently in the second step. Here, the first predetermined pressure may be set in advance or set arbitrarily by a user so as to be lower than the user-perceivable pressure. Further, as shown inFIG. 11, the first pressure decrease rate Pc is lower in value than the second pressure decrease rate Pd. Accordingly, the inner pressure of theballoon24 decreases gently in the third step, and the inner pressure decreases sharply in the fourth step. The second predetermined pressure may also be set in advance or set arbitrarily by a user so as to be lower than the user-perceivable pressure.

Note that each of the first pressure increase rate Pa to the second pressure decrease rate Pd may also be set in advance during production of thecommunication device400 in accordance with a level of demand for rapid recognition of a change in state, a request for power saving or for prevention of air discharge sound, and/or the like, or may alternatively be set arbitrarily by a user. Further, the inner pressure of theballoon24 at a time point at which the first step starts and the inner pressure at a time point at which the fourth step ends do not necessarily need to be zero. For example, at the time point at which the first step starts, a small amount of air may be have been injected in theballoon24, and at the time point at which the fourth step ends, a small amount of air may be remaining in theballoon24.

Next, the following discusses a method of controlling inflation and deflation of theballoon24 by the statechange notification device4, with reference toFIG. 12.FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating such a control method. Note that processing in S400 ofFIG. 12 is similar to the processing in each of S100 inFIG. 4, S200 inFIG. 6, and S300 inFIG. 8, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 12, in a case where theexpansion control section12 receives, from aninformation receiving section11, a determination result that informs reception of state change information, theexpansion control section12 causes the inner pressure to increase at the first pressure increase rate, with reference to the pressure table26c(S401). In order to increase the inner pressure here, theexpansion control section12 causes a micro-blower25 to operate to inject air into theballoon24. Next, theexpansion control section12 determines whether or not the inner pressure of theballoon24 has reached the first predetermined pressure, on the basis of a detection result of a first pressure sensor (S402). In a case where a determination result in S402 is Y, theexpansion control section12 causes the inner pressure to increase at the second pressure increase rate, with reference to the pressure table26c(S403). In order to increase the inner pressure here, theexpansion control section12 causes the micro-blower25 to operate to inject air into theballoon24. Conversely, in a case where the determination result in S402 is N, theexpansion control section12 determines again whether or not the inner pressure has exceeded the first predetermined pressure.

Note that the method of controlling inflation and deflation of theballoon24 in accordance withEmbodiment 4 may be used in combination with control of vibration of avibrator28 by anoperation control section13.

(Effects)

As described above,Embodiment 4 can allow a user to more promptly recognize a change in state of theexternal communication device500, if the first predetermined pressure is set to an approximate value of the user-perceivable pressure. Meanwhile, if the first predetermined pressure is set such that a difference between the first predetermined pressure and the user-perceivable pressure is large, theballoon24 is relatively gently inflated. This makes it possible to accordingly suppress a power consumption. Further, if the second predetermined pressure is set to a value close to the user-perceivable pressure, it is possible to suppress needless inflation of theballoon24. Meanwhile, if the second predetermined pressure is set such that a difference between the second predetermined pressure and the user-perceivable pressure is large, theballoon24 is relatively gently deflated. This makes it possible to suppress air discharge sound caused by theballoon24 in an early stage of deflation. This consequently makes it possible to prevent theballoon24 from making a user feel unpleasant when theballoon24 is contracted.

In each of theabove Embodiments 1 to 4, theexpansion control section12 and thecontraction control section14 are described as separate members, respectively. However, these

sections

12 and14 may be configured integrally as one member.

Further, though each of theabove Embodiments 1 to 4 has described a case where a change in state of theexternal communication device500 is notified to a user, a user may also be notified of a change in state of a device in which the state change notification device (1,2,3, or4) is provided. In this case, as in the case where acontrol section40 of the stateexternal communication device500 is used to detect a change in state, acontrol section10 is used to detect a change in state of the device and notifies the state change notification device (1,2,3, or4) of the change. This allows a user to be notified of a change in state that has occurred in the device to which the state change notification device (1,2,3, or4) is provided. Examples of such a change in state encompass not only changes in state caused by external factors such as voice call reception, mail reception, and gripping of theexternal communication device500 by a user but also changes in state caused by internal factors such as sounding of an alarm, turn-on of the TV, and decrease in remaining battery level.

[Software Implementation Example]

Control blocks of the state

change notification devices

1,2,3 and4 (particularly, the control section10) can be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) provided in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like or can be alternatively realized by software as executed by a central processing unit (CPU).

In the latter case, the state

change notification devices

1,2,3 and4 each include a CPU that executes instructions of a program that is software realizing the foregoing functions; a read only memory (ROM) or a storage device (each referred to as “storage medium”) in which the program and various kinds of data are stored so as to be readable by a computer (or a CPU); and a random access memory (RAM) in which the program is loaded. An object of an embodiment of the present invention can be achieved by a computer (or a CPU) reading and executing the program stored in the storage medium. Examples of the storage medium encompass “a non-transitory tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, and a programmable logic circuit. The program can be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) which allows the program to be transmitted. Note that an embodiment of the present invention can also be achieved in the form of a computer data signal in which the program is embodied via electronic transmission and which is embedded in a carrier wave.

[Main Points]

A state change notification device in accordance withAspect 1 of the present invention is a state change notification device (1,2,3, or4) for notifying a user, by use of a wearable communication device (

communication device

100,200,300, or400), of a change in state of a device in which an external communication device (500) or the state change notification device is provided, the state change notification device including: an information receiving section (11) for receiving state change information on a change in state in a case where the change in state occurs in the device in which the external communication device or the state change notification device is provided; and an expansion control section (12) for controlling expansion of an expandable section (balloon24) that is provided in contact with a part of user's body in the wearable communication device, the expansion control section controlling expansion of the expandable section in accordance with the state change information received by the information receiving section, so as to cause an inner pressure of the expandable section to become a user-perceivable pressure, the user-perceivable pressure being a set pressure that allows a user to perceive expansion of the expandable section.

In the above configuration, the information receiving section receives state change information transmitted from the external communication device. Further, the expansion control section controls, in accordance with the state change information, expansion of the expandable section so that an inner pressure of the expandable section will increase to the user-perceivable pressure. The expandable section here is provided in the wearable communication device so as to be in contact with a part of user's body.

Accordingly, unlike notification of a change in state to a user by use of sound output of a buzzer or the like or light emission of an LED or the like, notification of a change in state to a user by expansion of the expandable section is not influenced by noise or brightness in a surrounding environment. Further, in the case of notification by expansion of the expandable section, a third person is unlikely to recognize the change in state. In addition, while the inner pressure of the expandable section stays the user-perceivable pressure after the inner pressure has reached the user-perceivable pressure, the user always feels a certain pressure on the part of the user's body where the wearable communication device is attached. Accordingly, it is unlikely to cause a situation similar to that which occurs in notification by vibration of a vibrator, for example, a situation in which a user who is moving by running or the like may have difficulty in feeling vibration of the vibrator due to motion of the user himself/herself in a case where notification is made by the vibration. Accordingly, it is possible not only to protect user's privacy but also to reliably notify a user of a change in state of the external communication device.

A state change notification device (1,2,3, or4) in accordance withAspect 2 of the present invention may be arranged such that in theabove Aspect 1, the expansion control section (12) controls expansion of the expandable section (balloon24) such that at least one of a pressure increase rate and the user-perceivable pressure is changed in accordance with the change in state, the pressure increase rate being an amount of increase in the inner pressure of the expandable section per unit time. In the above configuration, in a case where a change in state requires a prompt action of a user, such as a case where a remaining battery level of the external communication device decreases to a value equal to or less than a specific threshold value, the pressure increase rate or the user-perceivable pressure of the expandable section can be increased. Therefore, the user can make an appropriate action in accordance with a change in state of the external communication device.

A state change notification device (1,2,3, or4) in accordance with Aspect 3 of the present invention may further include, in the

above Aspect

1 or 2, an operation control section (13) for controlling, in accordance with the state change information received by the information receiving section (11), an operation of a notification assisting section (vibrator28) for assisting notification of the change in state to the user by the expandable section (balloon24), the notification assisting section being provided in the wearable communication device (

communication device

100,200,300, or400). User's sensitivity to expansion of the expandable section depends on each individual user. On this account, even in a case where the inner pressure of the expandable section reaches the user-perceivable pressure, some users may not be able to feel expansion of the expandable section. Further, there is a possibility that there occurs a situation in which a user has difficulty in feeling expansion of the expandable portion, for example, in a case where the inner pressure of the expandable portion reaches the user-perceivable pressure while the user is exercising intensely. In this regard, in the above configuration, the operation control section controls, in accordance with the state change information, an operation of the notification assisting section for assisting notification of a change in state of the external communication device to a user by the expandable section. Accordingly, even in a case where it is difficult to notify a user of a change in state by expansion of the expandable section as described above, it is possible to notify only a user of the change in state by an operation of the notification assisting section, for example, by heat generation of a heat source section. This makes it possible not only to protect user's privacy but also to more reliably notify a user of a change in state of the external communication device.

A state change notification device (1,2,3, or4) in accordance withAspect 4 of the present invention may be arranged such that, in the above Aspect 3, the notification assisting section (vibrator28) is a vibrator (28); and the operation control section (13) controls vibration of the vibrator so as to change, in accordance with the change in state, at least either one of an amplitude and a frequency of vibration of the vibrator. In the above configuration, in a case where a change in state requires a prompt action of a user, an amplitude and a frequency of vibration of the vibrator as the notification assisting section can be increased while the expandable section is expanded. For example, in a case where a remaining battery level of the external communication device decreases to a value equal to or less than a specific threshold value, the decrease of the remaining battery level can be more reliably notified to the user by increasing an amplitude and a frequency of vibration of the vibrator in addition to expanding the expandable section. This allows a user to make a more appropriate action in accordance with a change in state of the external communication device.

A state change notification device (1,2,3, or4) in accordance with Aspect 6 of the present invention may further include, in any of theabove Aspects 1 to 5, a contraction control section (14) for controlling contraction of the expandable section (balloon24), the contraction control section controlling contraction of the expandable section so as to make a first pressure decrease rate lower than a second pressure decrease rate, the first pressure decrease rate being an amount of decrease in the inner pressure of the expandable section per unit time for a period in which the inner pressure of the expandable section decreases from the user-perceivable pressure to a second predetermined pressure that is lower than the user-perceivable pressure, and the second pressure decrease rate being an amount of decrease in the inner pressure of the expandable section per unit time for a period in which the inner pressure of the expandable section decreases from the second predetermined pressure.

In a case where the inner pressure of the expandable section is between the user-perceivable pressure and the second predetermined pressure, the inner pressure is high. In such a state, discharge sound of fluid having been injected into the expandable section may become large if the first pressure decrease rate is high. In this regard, in the above configuration, the contraction control section controls contraction of the expandable section such that the first pressure decrease rate is lower than the second pressure decrease rate. This makes it possible to suppress fluid discharge sound which may occur in an early stage of contraction of the expandable section, so that the expandable section, when contracted, can be prevented from making a user feel unpleasant. Further, since the second pressure decrease rate becomes higher than the first pressure decrease rate, needless expansion of the expandable section can be prevented. At the same time, it is possible to prevent a user from misrecognizing that the change in state of the external communication device is continuing though the change in state has ended.

A state change notification device (1,2,3, or4) in accordance with Aspect 7 of the present invention may be arranged such that, in any of theabove Aspects 1 to 6, in a case where the inner pressure of the expandable section (balloon24) reaches a third predetermined pressure that is higher than the user-perceivable pressure, the expansion control section (12) causes the expandable section to stop expanding and the contraction control section (14) starts contraction of the expandable section. In the above configuration, the expandable section stops expanding and the inner pressure of the expandable section decreases, in a case where the inner pressure has reached the third predetermined pressure. This can prevent breakage (e.g., burst) of the expandable section which may be caused by an excessive increase of the inner pressure of the expandable section. This consequently makes it possible to ensure safety of a user. In addition, needless expansion of the expandable section can be prevented.

A wearable communication device (wristwatch-

type communication device

100,200,300, or400) in accordance with Aspect 8 of the present invention may include the state change notification device (1,2,3, or4) in accordance with any of theabove Aspects 1 to 7. This configuration makes it possible to provide a wearable communication device which is capable of not only protecting user's privacy but also reliably notifying a user of a change in state of the external communication device.

A state change notification method in accordance with Aspect 9 of the present invention may be a state change notification method for notifying a user, by use of a wearable communication device, of a change in state of a device in which an external communication device or the state change notification device is provided, the state change notification method including the steps of: receiving state change information on a change in state in a case where the change in state occurs in the device in which the external communication device or the state change notification device is provided (S100); and controlling expansion of an expandable section that is provided in contact with a part of user's body in the wearable communication device, the expansion control section controlling expansion of the expandable section in accordance with the state change information received by the information receiving section, so as to cause an inner pressure of the expandable section to become a user-perceivable pressure, the user-perceivable pressure being a set pressure that allows a user to perceive expansion of the expandable section (S101 and S102). This configuration makes it possible to provide a state change notification method capable of not only protecting user's privacy but also reliably notifying a user of a change in state of the external communication device.

The state change notification device (1,2,3, or4) in accordance with each Aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the scope of the present invention encompasses an expansion control program of the state change notification device which expansion control program realizing, by a computer, the state change notification device by causing the computer to function as each section provided in the state change notification device, and also encompasses a computer-readable storage medium in which the expansion control program is stored.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but can be altered by a skilled person in the art within the scope of the claims. An embodiment derived from a proper combination of technical means each disclosed in a different embodiment is also encompassed in the technical scope of the present invention. Further, it is possible to form a new technical feature by combining the technical means disclosed in the respective embodiments.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

An embodiment of the present invention can be applied to any aspect of wireless communication devices each having a wireless communication function.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1,2,3,4 state change notification device
11 information receiving section
12 expansion control section
13 operation control section
14 contraction control section
24 balloon (expandable section)
28 vibrator (notification assisting section)
100,200,300,400 wristwatch-type communication device (wearable communication device)
500 external communication device